REGULAR training in the mountains of Aloguinsan, Cebu gave Michael Largo legs that are built for uphill climbs. Largo’s prowess was in full display as he ruled the Horizon 101 Cebu Vertical Run on Saturday night, Jan. 25, 2020, at the Horizon 101 towers on General Maxilom Avenue, Cebu City.
Largo covered the grueling 101 floors—Tower 1 (55 floors) and Tower 2 (46 floors)—in 20 minutes and 22 seconds to win the men’s Full Challenge crown that came with P20,000 cash prize.
The 39-year-old runner has dominated the relay event for the past two years before deciding to shift to the individual Full Challenge this year. Even in a different category, the result was the same for Largo.
Largo defeated Kenyan runner Joseph Mururi by more than a minute for the men’s title. Ejay Glamadona settled for third place in 22:09.
“I trained in the mountains in Aloguinsan and I guess that’s one of my advantages in this competition. This is my third crown since the first two editions wherein my team won the relay competition,” Largo told SunStar Cebu.
“It’s a great feeling that I win in this event every year. I’m just happy that my efforts paid off,” added the veteran athlete who started out as a mountain biker before shifting to running 10 years ago.
Kenyan Cherotich Consolata topped the distaff side in 23:35, while Ruffa Sorongon crossed the finish line in 24:49 and Cherry Andrin came in 27:45 to round up the podium finishers.
On the other hand, Florendo Lapiz breasted the tape in 12:57 in the men’s Half Climb competition, which covered 55 floors in Tower 1. Ariel Saballa finished second in 13:10 and Joland Olmilla took third place in 13:12.
Asia Paraase, 13, of Lapu-Lapu City bagged the women’s crown after timing 16:47. Melody Perez finished second in 17:47 and Charisse Encarnacion settled third in 18:15. (RSC)